"I picked up a camera in journalism class, and it was truly spiritual."

The 55-year-old photographer Ann Marsden passed away last night after a protracted battle with cervical cancer. We've had the honor of working with her many times over the years. Her passion for her craft inspired all of us at On Being, and we’ll miss her deeply.

Ms. Marsden should have the last word. Be sure and watch the video above as she describes her own creative process and off-angle approach to photographing and seeing the world.

Reflections

Thank you for this. I'm older than Ann and just a few years into my exploration of photography. I wish she'd had longer to break her own rules but I'm grateful that you shared her thinking about her art with me. I can tell that you were lucky to have known her personally.

I watched this three times already and it's only my first night knowing Ann Marsden. As a photographer myself and a curious person also in love with shoulders and places and lines of light, I am illumined by this piece and I thank you.

Love her work and her words. Ann inspires me in all ways. Knowing now of her passing, the motto she delivers at the end takes on greater weight - "If you haven't done it yet, you probably should go and do it." Thank you.

Couldn't be written any better. Reading this post reminds me of my old room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this article to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!